It was an improvement transforming the situation from desperation to difficult but potentially surmountable challenge.
He was alive... That was a victory already.
Everything else was just details to be managed.
The prince looked at Selphira intently and she saw his mouth opening slowly as the healing was finishing.
Victor's first word wasn't a question or complaint.
It was…
"Sorry."
His voice was barely a whisper. Hoarse and damaged but unmistakably sincere.
"I'm sorry," he repeated, stronger this time. "I'm so sorry. I…" He broke off coughing. Blood flecking his lips. The crystals in his throat making speech painful. But he pushed through it. "I… I failed again. I was stupid, I…"
"Hush," Selphira said, but gently… Without the harshness that usually characterized their communications. "Save your strength."
"No." Victor's hand, the one that wasn't fully-crystallized, reached up to grasp her arm.
Weak grip… But insistent.
"I wanted to prove myself."
